Vets Warn YouTubers: Don't Give Your Pet Dog The 'Egg Challenge’

By: Mackenzie Wright | February 13, 2018

Over the years, new challenges on social media have become a common thing. Some of these challenges have been for good causes, such as the 'Ice Bucket Challenge' that raised awareness and funding for sufferers of ALS.

Others have been stupid, such as the cinnamon challenge that left many people hacking and tearing after trying to swallow a spoonful of the dry, ground spice. Still others have been deadly, such as the challenge in which teens encouraged others to set themselves on fire.

The latest challenge also poses a threat, but it's not being given to people. It's being given to dogs.

The 'Golden Retriever Egg Challenge' has gone viral, and people around the world are stuffing eggs in their dog’s mouths. For most of these people, it's bringing a lot of laughs.

For some, it's leaving them with egg goo to clean off the floor. But vets say that you should take a pass on this challenge, because it can be dangerous for your dog.

The egg challenge came about because of the rumor that golden retrievers have 'gentle jaws'. The breed was made to accompany hunters and retrieve prey, but delicately so that they don't tear up the tender meat.

One family wanted to see if their dog, named Sookie, had gentle jaws, so they tried putting a raw egg in her mouth to see if she would crack it.

“My aunt read online that a Golden Retriever’s mouth is so gentle they can hold an egg in their mouth without cracking it so she tried it on her dog and well," explained the 17-year-old niece when she posted the video.

Sookie didn't crack it. She also didn't seem to want to let the egg go. Her owners cracked up as the dog stood there obediently, egg in mouth, looking very confused.

After that, social media exploded with videos of dog owners sticking whole, raw eggs, shell and all, in the mouths of their pooches. Most of the time, the eggs only cracked when the dogs dropped them.

Some frantic owners tried to retrieve eggs when their hungry pups began chewing. Some dogs had no interest whatsoever in holding the egg, and they sprang away from the insistent owner.

Australian Veterinary Association's Dr. Paula Parker says that people should not try this challenge, no matter how comical it might look. It could be dangerous for two main reasons.

The first problem is that the egg is a choking hazard. If the dog accidentally swallows the whole egg, it could obstruct his breathing and become serious in a matter of seconds.

Even if the egg breaks, sharp shell fragments getting stuck in the dog’s throat can be equally risky.

Another problem is that shells of raw eggs could carry diseases, particularly salmonella.

“Salmonella can be present both inside and outside the shell, so even if the egg does not break, if the bacteria is present on the outside of the shell it could lead to health concerns including diarrhea and vomiting," said Dr. Parker.

Food poisoning can be deadly; and even if it’s not, it’s not pleasant for the dog, the owner, and whoever has to clean up the floor. Remember, chickens poop on eggs all the time—don’t take the risk.